Here's a little good news to cheer you up:
you guys have posted 16,637 comments. Way to blog your guts out! AND...you're supersmart.

Some positives from the game were, Soups second half performance, ARE becoming a factor in the passing game, Betts, and Rocky Mac, getting in on some live action.

Looking ahead, right now, we're picking we have the 6th pick of the first round. That should either remain the same, or get better from a drafting perspective. Hopefully that will be enough to trade back and recoup, a #2, and a #3.

Well, we dominated the game and except for 2 interceptions (and going for field goals in the red zone) we should have won that game. Shoulda, coulda, woulda. That's the story of our season.

So now the Eagles go back to Philly thinking they are really something. I'm not sure what we did to the football gods but they hate us this season.

Since the skins are looking at a top 10 pick next year. Who are the early favorites for them to draft? I read somewhere (Kiper?) that it's supposed to be a good draft for D-linemen. The skins haven't had a good pass rushing DE since Mann and Manley were in in their prime. A good pass rush would do wonders for their lousy secondary (or so Cpt. Obvious told me).

Are we working towards a new goal after hitting the 10k comments mark a few weeks back?

I know, I know, up here we're concerned more with quality than quantity. Rooting for a team like this during a season like this one, we have to find innovative ways to glean some meager bits of satisfaction. So it's nice to have these little goals laid out for us.

But whatever happens, let's just take it one post at a time, people.

Can we anoint Carlos Rogers "Double Move"? He should be sent packing after this quote:

"Gave me a double move and kind of ran towards the middle of the field; can't do nothing about it."

Sure you can do something...defend the freaking pass. It's not like you have the "single moves" figured out, pal.

I'm making it blaw: Carlos Rogers is heretofore known as Double Move.

I have heard it said that cornerbacks would be playing wide receiver if they could catch.

2nd the double move name of carlos rogers. He's terrible.

Lets trade our first round pick and C. Portis for a top 3 pick. My money's on L. Betts and he comes cheap.

To many field goals but they were the right plays to make at the time. The third quarter field goals you have to do to give yourself a chance to win. The fourth quarter field goal was forced by the penalty. If the D stops them we have a chance.
Watched the Dallas / New Orleans game last night. The Saints played like they had to win. I liked the fact that they did the unexpected. Maybe Joe and the other coaches could learn from that....dont always use just the flanker option! They certainly figured out Romo...keep him in the pocket.
Betts shows a lot of heart and hard running...Campbell will be good but needs to play his game and not the cautious one Gibb's wants.

I have vommitted about 7-8 times over the last 24 hours, and none of those had to do with drinking.

1st vomit - my buddy asked me to sell his 2 tickets before the game. I stood outside for 25 minutes and all I could get was $10 for one, and an offer of a bag of weed (no lie) for the other. I declined the weed and ended up tearing up the 2nd ticket... $10 for 2 tix to a Skins-Eagles game... sad. Looking back I should have accepted the weed and gotten higher than a kite and drank in the parking lot.

2nd vomit - as I predicted, FedEx was a sea of green (Eagles fans) and yellow and red (empty seats)... sad.

3rd vomit - seeing Carlos Rogers drop yet another pick on the first play of the game.

4th vomit - seeing Carlos Rogers get burned on a 60-yard play (later he would say, "nothing I can do about it, yo!)... oh really... YACK

5th vomit - the PA announcer going bonkers when Betts went over 2,000 yards for his career... are you kidding me, dude? We are 4-8 and you are going nuts over a guy hitting 2,000 career yards during the middle of a game? What's next? Celebrating Lloyd going over 400 yard receiving in one year?

6th vomit - the 12 men in the huddle penalty on our final drive at the 3 yard line... unreal. This team is honestly more undisciplined than any of our Spurrier-led teams.

7th-10th vomits - Gibbs press conference... AGAIN. Let me get this straight, Gibby? You are "PROUD" of the guys? We dropped to 4-9 and all you can say is how "PROUD" you are? How soft as this guy become? MY GOD. YACK, YACK, YACK.

11th and final puke - during NBC's pre-game show, they put up a stat saying NFL teams will be an average 20 mill under the cap heading into this off-season. All NFC East teams- 15-25 mill under; some teams with a better record than us, some that will be playoff teams, some teams that trounced us this year... some of those teams are as high as 45 mill under. Us you ask? 1 mill under. WOW.. and yet we "have a plan", right Vinny? YACK, YACK, YACK.

This team is in complete shambles and there is no end in sight. We have very few draft picks heading into this year, have already traded away some of our middle round picks in 08, and have no room under the cap due to idiotic decision making. To top it all off, we have the most inept coaching staff/front office in the NFL, minus Oakland maybe.

Note to Dan Snyder... why would I buy season tickets from you when all it takes is a dime bag or a 10 dollar bill to buy a seat anymore?

Enough of the trade CP talk. Betts has been nice but if Portis had 150+ yds in back to back games there would be some TDs sprinkled in there. He was playing ahead of Betts for a reasons other than making more money.

Well, in a ridiculous burst of optimism after we hit 10k, I had set a goal of 100k by Draft Day. It seemed feasible at the time; I wasn't drunk or anything. Then Dealer pointed out that we'd have to average 600 posts daily until Draft Day.

Soup looked good. We know he's going to make mistakes but seemed to handle the blitz far better than last week. I think Al planned a lot more dump offs this game.

JLa,

I'l like to see someone pose the question "Why does it seem that everything in this organization is reactive rather than proactive"

Planning dump-offs after he got blitzed to heck last week

Just now working on that big wind-up rather than the two years he sat the bench.

Signing Betts after the biggest game of his career with 4 games left rather than during the 3 years you've had to evaluate him.

Coach K, that is possibly the worst trade, that we could make or that someone SANE could come up with. We're going to most likely end up with the #6 overall pick. And you want to package that, plus Portis for 3 spots in the draft? Did you not watch the game yesterday? Were you under the impression that we were ONE player away from a championship team?

For the people who want to trade Portis, you need to have a clue about football. First, it would destroy this team from a salary cap perspective. Secondly, Betts has NEVER played a full 16 game season. So when we trade Portis, and we lose Betts to an injury, we AGAIN have to make a desperate trade for a running back, or rely on Rock Cartwright. No thanks on either.

Carlos Rogers is not a reliable, every down, all 16 game CB to cover the #2 WR. He has some spurts and good plays, but on the whole, doesn't have ANY hands. He would be better suited as a nickel CB.

Even saying that, we still need to get D line help with the 1st round pick. I'd only trade back if the offer was VERY good. Shawn Merriman was a top 15 pick, so was Demarcus Ware (solid, at the very least), Kiwanuka on the Giants was mid to late 1st round. Daryl Tapp...did he go 2nd round? Anyway, there's good talent at DT/DE in the mid first round to late first round, so we could trade back, but don't want to get fleeced. We should not do anymore trades with the Broncos. I bet they are sending us xmas cards and goody baskets in appreciation.

At this point, it's hard to get worked up about another loss. They looked good for much of the game but just couldn't put it away. The highlights were Betts running with a purpose, Moss and ARE making plays, and Campbell fighting back in the 2nd half. The defense played with some "Attack you idiot."

Maybe this is loser-talk, but given that this is already the 2007 preseason, I'd rather look good in a loss than do nothing right and manage to win.

At this point, I hope we fight hard, but if we lose the rest of the games and Campbell makes good progress, that's a positive in my mind. Let's get a top 5 pick, hope we don't have to swap with Denver, and get as much help as we can in the draft with our 4 picks (1st, 5th, 6th, 7th).

How can you not give the ball 3 times to Betts at first and goal at the 3 yard line. The guy had 170 yards at that point, you didn't think you could get him 3 yards on 3 plays!??!

Nate in the PDX I was packing and listening to the game at the same time. Did very little packing.

Jane Doe the weekend was OK. How was your weekend? What am I going to do the rest of the week without you? wink lol

JLC sorry to hear about the fall but at least no bones broken.

How about dem Comboys? Oh wait, my bad. Nevermind.

Look, bottom line is, this group of old men who pretend to be leaders. Are infact, cowards. They are too cowardly to take shots in games where your season is already over.

Campbell is going to make mistakes, but he played well enough for them to win. Gibbs coaches bad enough for them to lose.

"The Skins won't win a game the rest of the season" -calling it

Hold on. This read like a joke when I first saw it, but I have this queasy feeling it might be right on.

At New Orleans, who are playing for the best record in the conference; at St. Louis, who will probably be happy to see us come to town since they will be 'playing for pride' in front of the home crowd after their own disappointing season; and home to NYG, who could be playing for playoff positioning. Oh mercy.

I don't want to go into the offseason on a five-game skid, trying to act happy about our high first-round draft pick, but unless we start playing better so it shall be.

Nightmare visions of the Jints celebrating their trip to the playoffs on our field, on my birthday to boot. Ugh.

Was Joe Gibbs this skittish in his first go-around? How do you not go for it on 4th and 21 with 5 minutes left in the game? oh well. At least we gave the FG kicker a good work out.

I do find it interesting that Saunders said that JC will have to really work on his mechanics this offseason. What the &$(% were they doing with him these past two years?

Well we can now stop talking Playoffs. Were dead and buried for this year. I have watched this team's games all year and still can't figure out the rational for some of the play calling. I must admit I finally saw some signs of the coaches making halftime adjustments but with this team too little, too late. Some one please tell me why wouldn't you give it to Betts from the 3yard line. He had been busting the Eagles all game, why now do you decide to go to Duckett and then for that matter why run wide. Big back must go straight ahead, not side to side. If anything play action to Duckett and then roll Campbell out on first down not on third when they aren't going to honor the run.
Well let's just lose the rest of our games get a top five pick. Trade down for more picks and only draft defense next year.
This is hard to say but give Carlos Rodgers a break, my thinking is Ggrilligan has shot his confidence so bad this year with his scheme that he is going to need sometime to get right over the off season

In other news, my second-favourite football team, Portsmouth, are third in the Premiership table after dominating Everton 2-0 at Fratton Park.

Not only did Nwankwo Kanu score his league-leading ninth goal on the season, Matthew Taylor stunned American keeper Tim Howard with a 45-yard blast. And Portsmouth continued the terrific defense and goalkeeping they've evinced all season long. Great stuff. Well, at least one of my teams is exceeding expectations this season.

Play up, Pompey!

Ignoring him while he sat wasting part of his development behind Brunell.

Can anyone (Jason's editor?) tell me where in the archive i can find the the blog post discussing the different possible conclusions to the duckett trade?

skinswest.... NOTHING... that's what they've done. "Here kid, here's another playbook for you to memorize but not do anything with.." Brunell was supposed to lead us to the promised land... Heaven knows what they were thinking..

Also... this just in... Wilbon fueling the Portis trade with his first post in his chat.

there are actually people here on this blog that keep using the words "this year" as if this year was an anamoly! folks, last year was an anamoly not this year. this year has been the norm around here for a long long time.

I can't believe Wilbon just posted that. Have he not notice that Betts been hurt since he been here?

I know Rogers this year been down right awful. Didn't Camp have a bad second year?

JLaC or Jason's Editor,

Is there anyway the Post could do a ZEUS breakdown of this game? I would love to see how many decisions the computer singles out as incorrect. The breakdown ESPN did of the cowboys - giants game, was to me, fascinating. Would love to see how Gibbs is doing vs. Big Blue.

Ricky Bobby... I yacked at the same things... well that and I sat next to "super fan" at the game and she yelled in my ear the entire game...

Fellow bloggers: anyone got two affordable and decent TICKETS to the Skins-Giants game on Saturday the 30th? Ricky Bobby? I gotta get my old college roommate out to a game.

Jason, I dislocated my foot in February (student/faculty basketball game), When I got home I was gimping up the steps, fell back into the wall and left a large butt sized hole right by the entry way. Feel your pain bro.

For Wilbon to actually suggest that trading Portis is an option, is just irresponsible journalism. The cap hit alone would be ENORMOUS, we'd have to gut the team just to NOT have him on our roster. Not to mention that we'd be getting .50 cents on the dollar. Which would only spur him to trash the front office. Just foolish.

Holiday thoughts

Since Betts has a more paletable salary and with his current production wouldn't he make a good piece of bait for a higher mid round draft choice? Resign off the radar Duckett. Accept the fact we are stuck with B.Lloyd but the rest of the recievers aren't bad. Dump ArchDelux, take the hit, Prioleau should be back. Draft some big, fast linemen for both O & D. Try to fix the secondary with FA 'backers and hopefully Santa will drop a CB in our lap

If Mr. Monk is properly given his place in history on the day before XLI, that alone may soften the sting of limping into a dreary off-season (for me, at least).

Pre-season '07 would begin with a trip to the shrine that I have had to cancel for six straight years (or has it only been five, I have lost count).
More likely the scribes from that former great illustrated sports magazine will once again postpone the deserved recognition of a great man. And the off-season will resemble those past that I have truly lost count of.

Addiction must mean that you cannot admit to having a problem. Despite all else, I still say "Hail to the Redskins!"

"This is hard to say but give Carlos Rodgers a break..."

Thanks for the laugh.

To the dude who suggested that we trade Portis and our first round draft pick to move up for a top 3 pick . . . is your real name Vinnie Cerrato? Are you effin' kidding me with that suggestion? The 'Skins are keeping both backs - PERIOD. Then, they should TRADE DOWN as many times as possible for as many picks as possible. The focus of free agency and the draft should be CB, DE, MLB and depth at the offensive line. And, this time, be smart about the choices and think about the consequences of overspending. And, finally, DO NOT TRADE AWAY DRAFT PICKS FOR PLAYERS.

OK,OK

Hi everyone. Did I miss anything last week?

OK,OK

I'll leave everyone alone and go read last week's blogs - unless someone wants to summarize in bullet format?

he he

*hugs*

I think it is funny Wilbon hinted at trading CP b/c for me, it's a deal-breaker. If I talk skins with someone (say a co-worker) and they say something along those lines ("you know, portis isn't a classic Gibbs back--we should trade him") I won't even talk redskins with them anymore. I don't understand how people can still underestimate him after what he's done--here and in his career.

jm220, my dear, please, I say PLEASE, do not make excuses for Carlos Rogers. Considering his draft position, he is terrible. Weekend was fine, a little of this and a little of that, nothing out of the ordinary.

JLC - Get well soon, sounds kind of painful.

Dear Mr. Snyder:
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it on the Redskin's web site, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O' Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a biased media. They do not believe except what they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. They do not understand the intricacies of the "double move."

Yes, Virgina, there is a Santa Clause and he's got some terrific ways for you to support Your Washington Redskins. For instance, you can order the official Redskins Party Pack for when you and your skeptical little friends watch the fearsome Redskins. Each party pak includes 24 place settings of 16 oz. cups, 9 1/2" plates, 2-ply napkins, and plastic forks. Great for tailgates, picnics and parties. Only 7 left in stock and at $23.99, it's a great gift idea to include in your letter to Santa. And how about something to give Dad for Christmas? Something that will make him stop walking around the house at all hours slapping himself in the forehead as he keeps asking "What the hell is wrong with these guys?" Well, Virgina, I'm sure he'll enjoy having the official Washington Redskins trailer hitch! The hitch features a three-dimensional graphic, contemporary design, and vibrant epoxy color fill. It's made with quality craftsmanship and intricate detail, using a corrosion resistant pewter alloy with heavy gauge yoke, and easy to install. But you need to make sure Santa gets your request quick, because at $44.99, the 8 left in stock may wind up on his reindeer! Ho,Ho,Ho!

And please make sure your folks know about my special, "Walk Right In, Sit Right Down" ticket offer for the remainder of this season. Just $10 and a dime bag of weed gets you the delight of seeing Your Washington Redskins in person.

By the way Ginny, you owe me $24.99 for the advice.

(Thank you Ricky Bobby for one of the best laughs I've had all season)

please, I say PLEASE, do not make excuses for Carlos

I am not making excuses for him. I did stated that he is just down right awful this year. However, maybe we need to give him one more year just to see what happens. How many players have we given up on too early?

jm220 -

Agreed, 1 more year, but thats it! Also, his comments and actions on the field make him really annoying. One more thing...remember the dropped INT in Seattle last year....ouch that hurt....could have been a game changer.

Skins have a very young QB which means they are rebuilding and will be in 2007. High draft picks are no guarantee. Look at Mario Williams and he went first. Skins need a MLB. Marshall and Washington are better outside. I would make that priority 1. After that we need OL depth and secondary help. Springs is getting old for a CB. But trading CP would be a huge mistake. He is tough as nails and gets into the end zone. And 1500 yard seasons are nothing to sneeze at.

Hello Hello....this season was over long ago! Let's just hope the pressure continues to build to hire a GM. Thanks Wilbon for finally bringing the heat as well! Gibbs was a hall of fame coach not a team president/GM/coach. He needs to stick to what he does best, which I am not really even sure what that is anymore. This team simply looks poorly coached whether it's overcoaching or whatever is irrelevant. Did you see Sean Payton's Saints last night? Well, not only did they crush the Cowgirls, but they look like a supremely well coached team who are incorporating a new first-year system with a new QB and I believe I heard a figure of like 25% new players or something ridiculous. Impressive. What is our excuse again?

PS Dump/Trade Portis for picks even if there is a prohibitive cap hit. It's going to happen sooner or later so let the rebuilding begin in earnest. Get all the draft picks you can gather this year and, hopefully, a competent GM will be doing the choosing. This team is years away. 3 year plan was a complete failure - thanks Granpa!

It's a natural tendency to diss Portis because he's hurt. That's the way the NFL works. What have you done for me lately?

Personally, I love the guy, and hope he retires in DC. He, Santana, Cooley, and Campbell give me hope for next year. A sliver of hope, but hope nonetheless.

Confucius say: Team with two Number One running backs end up playing like Number Two.

Go Chargers....LT is the real deal.

Portis trade or cut:

How many times do we have to go over this?

YOU CAN'T trade Portis. It's not prohibitive it is impossible.

You would take a 9 million dollar hit and at this moment we are 1 million under the cap. So tell me, how are you going to sign these draft picks you get? You can't cut the overpriced FA's we've signed cause that would just make it worse. You'd have to dump overacheivers. Here is my guess on who you'd have to cut in order to get under the cap.

Sellers
Dockery
Thrash
Rock
Jimoh
Goldsten
Montgomery

So from now on when someone mentions cutting/trading Portis please list who you'd cut when making that trade. Thanks.

Oh right i forgot add Cooley to the list as well.

editor, is this OUR haikuman that bog's talkin about:

Where is Haikuman

People Redskins Suck. Everyone on this team is horrible including the coaches. Can you name me any Redskins beside Marcus Washington who went to the Pro Bowl since this coaching staff took over not counting Champ Bailey and Lavar. We will be soon be the Tennessee Titans of the past. I think we will probably win 3 games next year.

incorporating a new first-year system with a new QB

Rob - Riggo on Monday Night Football wake up my friend. Brees has been in the league for years and just came off a heal of a season.

PS Dump/Trade Portis for picks even if there is a prohibitive cap hit.

Just stop!! Do you really think that CP wouldn't have gotten in the end zone with those many touches and yards?

People seem bummed out, but the offense scored 5 times, the defense pitched a shutout in the second half and the Eagles only won becuase of the turnovers. This would be a bad loss for the broncos or giants or some on the cusp playoff team. That was a promising game to me.

Hearing about portis being traded or cut on the other hand is discouraging beyond all get out.

So 'Ku man cuts back on his rhymin' here and suddenly appears on the bog!!!!! Now, we do heart Danny Steinberg, but that would be a big mistake, by the Ku Man.

Not dissing Portis. Great player, but the Skins don't need a 60 million dollar RB while they rebuild. Particularly in this era when super capable backs are very common. I mean Portis is no LT ;) ...that's for you agent. I have always thought that Betts was a better fit for a Gibb's team anyway.

jason, could you please ask about salary cap hell that is being predicted for the skins this offseason @ today's presser with gibbs?

skinz, stop making sense at once!!!! TRUST ME it gets funnier and funnier the more you remove yourself from the arguement.

CP is not going to be traded! Can we please stop talking about it? I can't wait until he returns next year to shut all you fools up. Betts is good but he is not CP.

CP is a Redskin till his knee explodes. Bottom line.

Now we have, with Ladell as part of our "1-2" combo, the following:

CP
LB
TJ
Rock
Sellers

Can we PLEASE get some draft picks for a couple of those guys? Without incurring the wrath of the cap?

PG

editor, i don't know about you or anyone else on here but i felt somewhat cheated on when i read that. two-timin ku-lut!

I think we should trade players for draft picks, but not an identity player like Portis. At a minimum, Duckett (a former first round pick) could be some team's salvation. Instead of getting a player for giving up multiple picks, I think we should try to be on the other end of that deal ... maybe even package giving multiple players for getting multiple picks. I don't know if its possible to even compile the type of stat I'm thinking about, but it SEEMS like the Skins have a pretty high average age for starters (though replacing Brunell in the line up does change that math quick a bit).

dealer,

seriously... JLa, can you press Gibbs on the fact that some of the teams who beat us this year... some of the teams that have a better record than us this year... some of the teams that will be going to the playoffs while we sit on our butts... they will be anywhere from 15 to 45 mill under the cap... we are freaking 1 mill under.... and we SUCK a fat one.

The people who think that trading Portis is the answer are just not that bright. You'd be getting .40 cents on the dollar. Yet these same people are the one's who crucify the front office for doing that very same thing?

TJ walks at the end of the season with no return for us. I just hoping he doesn't go to the Eagles. The way he was treated you know he will have payback on his mind.

Hey guys!

A few thoughts. JC looked pretty good in the second half but I have a question/comment. Wasn't one of the problems with the offense that Brunell was limited to dumping the ball (didn't have the arm to go deep, do the timing patterns beyond 10 yards)? In JC's first game, it seemed as if there were a lot of deep outs that he threw (throws that MB couldn't make/hadn't been making). Stretched the field. More throws across the middle 10-20 yards down field.

Yesterday, the game looked like it was planned for MB. All dumps underneath, except for a couple of deep tries, with the one TD to ARE. I know it was in response to the blitzing that got them into trouble the week before, but geez. Let him shine. He seems to be a much better passer on the deeper routes instead of the underneath crap. The 2 INT's were both

Also, another HUGE positive! How many first down's did JC get by scrambling and running. What an upgrade!

Overall, I'm pretty positive on him.

Well, it appears that Ku hasn't posted anything yet....unless he wrote that long poem under a nom de plume to throw us off. After yesterday's game, this from Ku would be the last straw. I'm with you, JM.

This Portis talk makes my head hurt. Really, in your heart of hearts, would any of you rather have Betts lined up behind Soupy than Portis? That is absolutely nuts. Come on already.

We have so much to worry about with this team; let's consider the RB position settled, with one damned good back (CP) and one capable(LB) back under contract, and move on to areas of real concern. Our D line, linebackers, um, safeties, cornerbacks, kickers, probably the O line... who am I missing here?

As for the excess number of backs:

#1 - CP. Enough said. Hope he gets healthy and has a chip on HIS shoulder (literally and figuratively)

#2 - LB. Doesn't need to prove himself.

#3 - Cartwright. Don't need TJ but unfortunately we gave up a draft pick or two, and if the broncos don't start winning and we do, we could be trading 1st round draft picks. SIGH.....

LASTLY, on consecutive weeks earlier in the season we faced teams who were in the bottom three in league against the run. Where the hell was the run then? And it wasn't just that we got behind...Why didn't we cram it down their throats like we did yesterday? Again, it takes the coaches over half the season to figure out what should have been obvious from the start (JUST LIKE LAST SEASON!). Come on!

Nate in the PDX I am with you. Let's talk about what the team really needs. I am thinking giving Rogers one more year. (he is still young) Move Rock into the starting line up. Carter is starting to come on a little so keep him. Get a very good DE or DT for the first round draft pick. (only trade that pick if you get a 1st, 2nd, and maybe a player. Let someone else be the sucker for once) Lower rounds go after O line men.

Any chance we do a sign and trade w/ TJ? To let him walk out with out any return would be criminal.

Sign and trades are for the NBA. In the NFL if we signed and traded someone we'd take the entire cap hit that year.

Left off Sellers as the 4th back (or move him to third). Lastly, whoever thinks we overpaid for LB needs to take it easy. The entire 5 years of his deal is less than or equal to the guaranteed money given Arch and Lloyd, much less the entire life of their contracts. Seems like a bargain comparatively speaking doesn't it. And we didn't have to give up a draft pick for him.

Nate:...We have so much to worry about with this team...who am I missing here?

coaches, front office, owner, player acquisition PHILOSOPHY.

that's all.

I watched the game on Sunday with a young child who is still learning the world. The young man, after a graphic showed the Redkskins with ENORMOUS statistical advantages, surprised us all when he asked: 'the redskins are doing much better than the other team. Why are they losing?'

Everyone pondered the question for a few moments before the boy's mother answered for us all: 'That's what bad teams do sweetheart. They find ways to lose'.

Thank God for the Saints yesterday. Seeing that pig mercenary on the sideline so upset made me feel really good for a little while.

Unfortunately, we're going to have traded a third round pick for Duckett (and possibly swap first round picks with Denver) for a player that Joe Jacoby called Theresa Duckett this morning on the radio for his tippy-toeing around the goal line yesterday. And he won't have played for us. And he's going to be gone at the end of the season and we'll have NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT! ZIPPY!

Yeah, this whole Portis being traded stuff really just smells like journalists stirring up stuff to write about (no offense JLC and certinaly not to include you in that heap). But really, all of the other angles on this team this year are kinda played out. Let's just hope Vinny, St. Joe and Co. don't decide to give it weight.

dcsween hit on something big with Portis... he gives the team a personality... i know that doesn't win you any games in and of itself, but he brings a swagger, a confidence and just a winning attitude... you'd never hear him say "well, the safety put a double move on me and I couldn't spin out of it.. nothing you can do..." No BS from CP...

Idea! Maybe WaPo could invest in a few reference pages for the blog, so we don't have to comb through the archives to find the exhaustive research and brilliant analysis posted on previous threads. Things like our pending free agents, our status relative to the salary cap, etc., our draft position. Something we could refer to (and link to) when the same questions come up over and over.

I know some excellent work has gone into this blog, but once a new thread comes up, previous threads fade into memory. When i want to go back and 'look something up,' I can't remember so good. Maybe a wiki that folks like Chris Larry, Megskin etc. can post and edit to keep fresh, that sort of thing.

This could also be helpful to orient newbies. Additional pages could be for blaws and nicknames. And for a best of Haikuman.

Just thinking out loud here. I'm in it for the long haul with the Skins, and this blog is now in the top 5 most important things in my life, based on time spent per day.

Did anyone ask Gibbs about his questionable coaching decisions yesterday? After watching his defense wilt all season long, I'm not sure why he thought the defense could hold up with five minutes left in the game. He had to go for it late in the fourth quarter. Kicking a FG does nothing. Gibbs should definitely be called out for that play calling nonsense.

Still wondering who wants to do some business with me pertaining to the Saturday Redskins-Giants game on the 30th. Help a blog brother out.

4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS 4-9 STINKY SKINS

For those who think that it would not be better to go with Betts and, hopefully, a couple of decent draft picks for Portis are silly. The production is going to be similar at a cheaper cost. Assuming you can get decent picks for him at this point.
In the world of no salary cap, this is not a consideration, but it should be with a rebuilding team and a salary cap. Otherwise, it will catch up to us eventually. Probably just when we build what could have been a championship caliber team.

Did anyone else notice how much better it was with ARE as the 2nd reciever with Moss?????? That should be his role every week...possession reciever with the ability to be used in trick situations....to me that was a positive...Moss and ARE should be our two starters...and it gives Soup a comfort guy...

Rob If CP hand 33 carries 171 yards how many touchdowns would have went with that? Be honest, you know it would have been at least 3. And if the line was blocking for him the way they have the last couple of games it wouldn't have taken 33 times to get 171 yards. Once again people just stop. Betts is a good back but not CP

jm220, I love you, buddy, but please start referring to the mysterious, little-seen rookie linebacker as something other than 'Rock.'

Every time you call him 'Rock' I think you're suggesting that Mr. Cartwright take snaps at LB. [Note: I DO think Rock Cartwright would at least show some effort covering receivers out of the backfield, unlike certain LBs on this team, but that's beside the point.]

I guess I'm suggesting a quasi-blaw (blamendment?) about not using nicknames which are other people's actual names.

We could maybe call Rocky M. 'Little Rock' because of his youth, though I think he's taller and heavier than Rock C. Time for the kid to earn a nickname on the field! Oh, right, he'd have to be out there PLAYING for that to work...

Hi SallieMae - welcome back.

To summarize for you:

* Redskins loose again due to penalties, turnovers, C Rogers, and suspect play calling.
* JLaC has a busted a$$.
* Betts signs 5 year deal worth 11 Million.
* Gibbs is not going to quit.

That's about it!

Oh - LOL - hugz

On the mechanics of the Duckett trade, rather than a link on THIS page, if someone who knows how to write/edit/update in wiki could just do a cut-and-paste onto Duckett's wikipedia entry, that would be ideal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T.J._Duckett

The moderators on the wikipedia website would clean it up and remove it after the draft, but it would probably stay up there until then.

ARE should be #2 receiver until further notice. BLloyd is a little TO in the making... Too bad his cap hit would be devastating as well... ship him out with Archibingus..

Rob almost forgot a important point. CP has been facing 9 men fronts. Earlier in the year when CP was out and Betts was in facing 8 men fronts (due to Brunell and no Lisa I am not starting on Brunell) his numbers where not really good.

Sign and trades are for the NBA.

okay so what if the skins signed TJ and then traded him to the bullets for etan thomas? would that work?

To summarize for you:

* Redskins loose again due to penalties, turnovers, C Rogers, and suspect play calling.
* JLaC has a busted a$$.
* Betts signs 5 year deal worth 11 Million.
* Gibbs is not going to quit.

That's about it!

AND REDSKINS ARE 4-9 WHILE COWBOYS ARE 8-5 AND HEADING TO PLAYOFFS. OOOH YEAHH!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA

Time for the kid to earn a nickname on the field! Oh, right, he'd have to be out there PLAYING for that to work...

Good point. Someone needs to come up with a good name for him.

Welcome back SallieMae. Ricky Bobby really needs a hug from you. He had a really negative week. lol

Watch the Cowboys playoff trash talk dude... They are perfectly capable of losing out and missing the playoffs.. Even Detroit can get hot and Atlanta and Philly have as much to play for...

What this team needs is to build through the draft (grant it may take 5 years) All these free agents we have are a bunch of washouts, I mean these are guys to are already paid and don't really give a d@m&. We need young players who are hungry and not stuffed with money in their pockets, I've been a Redskins fan for as long as I can remember and this is pathetic. Oh and Ricky Bobby, classic stuff on trying to see the Redskins tickets, LMAO!

(Anonymous, you beat me to the punch on this) I can't help thinking that Betts is getting so many yards to a large extent because Soupy is CAPABLE of throwing the ball downfield. All the time Portis was playing this year, he was the focal point for defenses because there was no reason to respect Brunell's arm. Even though Soupy is a new starter, defenses have to pay him some respect which means Betts has more running room.

I can't wait to see Soupy and Portis play together next season, with Santana, Cooley and ARE in the mix. That is something to be legitimately excited about, amid all the doom and gloom of this wasted, heartbreaking season.

After a deep deep relection period I have decided that it would be in my best interest to become a Cowboys fan. They have a front office that knows what it takes to put a quality product on the field for their fans to enjoy every week. From here on out I am breaking ties with the Redskins and forming new ones with the Dallas Cowboys. Just thought everyone should know.

jm220, now you're just talking crazy talk (or someone is faking being you)

Where are the Dallas fans now? What was Romo's bottomline or rating yesterday???? Not the superman he was thought to be...

Nate in the PDX sorry forgot to sign my name

Everyone, stop talking about me getting traded. You all are hurting my feelings. I can't beleive I am out for a few weeks and now I may not be coming back. Talk about back stabbers. I'll show you next year, when I run for 2K+ on you all suckas! True Redskins fans know I'm worth 2 Ladell Betts. Hang in there true fans, In the words of EL Terminator, I'LL BE BAAAACK!

On RockyMac, I propose RockyMac. Also, I'm wondering if his bum knee from college is taking longer to heal than anyone is letting on about. It seemed odd to me that, right after we drafted him, he had to get knee surgery. I can't say that Holdman has impressed enough to keep him RockyMac from getting game time. I also remember he had a really high Wonderlic score (and some high GPA with a dual major or something like that). I wonder what they aren't letting us know about.

jm220, that kind of reminds me of that commercial with the guy in the Michigan sweatshirt making out with the girl in the Ohio State sweatshirt. It sort of makes my skin crawl. But sure, come on over to the Cowboys blog, where everyone is calling for Bledsoe to start again.

dcsween come on baby boy. You know that's that coward Boofer trying to be me again. Unlike him, I would never claim to be fan of a team and always on another teams blog.

You know Boofer you remind me of people that talk trash all the time. Then when they see me in person afraid to even look me in the eye. Just drop their heads and walk fast like the cowards they are.

OK, absolutely NOTHING to do with yesterday's game, but I just saw this article and it really ticked me off:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/07/AR2006120701693.html

I love my Redskins, but does Dan Snyder REALLY have to 86 the last classical station in the Washington area so he can broadcast football games? I get 94.3FM just fine where I live (western Fairfax), and the only time I listen to a Skins game is when I'm running an errand during gametime. Danny, ENOUGH ALREADY!

HOW ABOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!!
GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!

not.

Parcells called it a "bad beating," a "pretty good licking" and a "pretty good whipping," all in a single postgame news conference.

Hee, hee.

Why are there Cowboy Fans on this blog? they should be blocked from existence. They are the pitiful types who hunger for attention. I know a whole bunch of Cowboy Fans who wouldn't know where to find it on a map even if it had a big star on it, some of these types have never been to Texas let alone Dallas. What a sorry excuse for a bunch of losers. I've said my peace, so peace.

SMACK I am a Skin fan for life. I do give you respect for saying that your team got the beat down last night. And you was ready to take the trash talk. Much respect for that unlike Boofer who is such a loser he still has to come up with something negative to make himself feel better. Boofer I know you want to be me. But stop using my name.

After the LaVarbingus of last season, I remember watching the draft for weakside linebackers ... and remember about how last year's particular draft was loaded with them ... something like seven went in the first two rounds. I remember that we were the last of the teams who actually got to make a first choice, and remember being surprised that we went for RockyMac instead of that guy from UTEP. Thinking back on it now, I don't think ANY of those guys has had a very good year -- a couple of guys cracked starting lineups (like Ernie Sims), but mostly injuries (like A.J. Hawk) and second teamers (Bobby Carpenter). What is it about that position (WILL) in whatever the new NFL defense that requires these guys to be really experienced? Is it that hard of a position?

"BLloyd is a little TO in the making..."

I wish. TO catches touchdowns. Lloyd wears a helmet and raps in his spare time. I think BLloyd is probably becoming a little Michael Westbrook in the making...

Why am i doing this and not finishing my paper due at 5pm??? Good grief.

Yeah, I should have known, I blame the hangover. Crap, there are opposing fans on every blog. There was a real a-hole Skins fan on our blog last night, but who cares. Stirs things up. Sorry if you are afraid of a little competition.

DALLAS COWBOYS ARE AMERICA'S TEAM!!! DALLAS COWBOYS ARE #1!!!! I LOVE DALLAS COWBOYS!!!

Since the blogger formerly known as Boofer/Redskins Suck refuses to give himself a name, he shall now be known as -

The DALLAS-HOLE

Not that anyone wants to talk about anything other than how bad the Skins played (or how bad Dallas and Dallas fans are), but on those outside linebackers, I went back again to see that Manny Lawson (SF) and DeMeco Ryans (HOU) were picked before RockyMac (both of those guys are starting and having stellar years ... one of them will be defensive rookie of the year).

No my real name is Langdon Ulger.

and that OLB from UTEP, Thomas Howard, actually does start ... but for the Raiders. He was the Raiders' second round pick.

SMACK,

I guess you're right. You can stay. Was Mr. Portis really here earlier, Gosh!

need a drink. ARE looked pretty darn good yesterday...maybe B lloyd took notes. What was that first TD series pass attempt to Kleinsasserface anyway? Where were our top recievers? No wonder Soups had to throw to row 8.

PG

Langdon Ulger????? who the hell names their kid Langon Ulger, some like some 19th century poet.

Oh - and I thought for sure you donks would be all over that Chelsea/Arsenal game yesterday. That was one hell of a goal. Looked like my tee shot with the slice.

PG

My version is close to yours, dcsween. I have Young Macintosh slated as RockoMac. Sort of a Washington twist to that one....

But anyway, good Lord, have we beat our defeats into such a pulp that we're talking about kicking California Pizza to the curb? Definitely not a good way to burn up that cap room that we don't have, especially with Senor Hotwifeshabingas headed rapidly back out the revolving door. CP had a craptastic season, yes, but it's unsuprising given (a) he was injured, and (b) we suffered under the BenchedMark "Lateral Pass Attack '06" for most of the season. Who knows how many more yards CP would have ran for had Souper been in earlier during the season.

Yes, we might be able to trade out for decent picks. It'd be a gamble, especially with that cap looming like an iceberg on the horizon. Even then, I think many people are overvaluing his trade value, with all of the RBs running in the league. And in all honesty, I'm not even sure we'll have the ability to fix this team with one draft, even with a near-full complement of picks. Knee-jerk thinking leads to shoddy results.

Hail to the Cowboys!
Hail Victory!
'Boys on the Warpath!
Fight for old Dallas!
Run or pass and score -- we want a lot more!
Beat 'em, Swamp 'em,
Touchdown! -- Let the points soar!
Fight on, fight on 'Til you have won
Sons of Da-ll-as. Rah!, Rah!, Rah!
Hail to the Cowboyss!
Hail Victory!
'Boys on the Warpath!
Fight for old Dallas!

I have only one thing to say about Dan Snyder buying the city's last classical music station: You always knew he never was going to go baroque.

Redskins Sucks!!! Period - you are wrong!

Santana Moss went to the Pro Bowl last season!

I am also tired of hearing about trading Portis! Not on your life! We need 2 quality backs and Betts is happy with the situation. Portis has worked his butt off for the team and even flew in to congratulate Betts.

As for Wilbon, I used to like him but now he is ticking me off. He's a Bears fan anyway.

I find it interesting that anonymous Dallas fans are coming here to taunt us about our two-point loss to Philly in a game that was only broadcast regionally, when Dallas got their collective rear ends handed to them in a 25 point loss ON NATIONAL TELEVISION by a team that, last year, was homeless and at the bottom of the NFC heap.

Yeah, watching the Saints humiliate the Cowboys last night definitely helped ease the pain of our loss to the Eagles. And did anyone notice how many New Orleans fans there were in Texas Stadium? They were WAY louder than the Dallas fans.

I'm a chode yoddeler

"And did anyone notice how many New Orleans fans there were in Texas Stadium? They were WAY louder than the Dallas fans."

YOU MEAN JUST LIKE THE EAGLES FANS YESTERDAY AT FEDEX BEING LOUDER THAN SKINS FANS? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I HEARD E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES SO MANY TIMES YESTERDAY ON TV. HAHAHAHAHAHA

Jason's editor, that was absolutely perfect punnery. We gotta keep laughing or the depression will get too deep.

Only three more weeks to go this season! Can it be so bad that I'm actually rooting for the season to end?

I must be numb from all the losses but I actually felt pretty positive about the game. Campbell rebounded from early mistakes and the running game looked good. I think the Skins have the right QB now and if they can improve the defense in the offseason and eliminate the penalties and mistakes then I will look forward to training camp as always. I get to watch and hear about my local team here ( the Bucs) and believe me the Skins look like Super Bowl champs compared to them at this point. DC is definitely not the most hopeless situation in the NFL anymore!

I'm a taint tickler.

I especially enjoyed the costly Parcells personal foul last night for throwing the challenge flag. Who can he yell at about that one.

BOTTOM LINE SKINNY FANS: WHAT TEAM IS IN BETTER POSITION RIGHT NOW FOR THE PLAYOFFS? 4-9 (NFC EAST LAST PLACE) REDSKINS OR 8-5 (NFC EAST 1ST PLACE) COWBOYS?

Anyone have a count on the number of balls that Carlos Rogers has had his hands on this season for potential interceptions and came up empty? The worst part is the sheepish grin he likes to flash afterwards. No accountability for poor play. We're 4-9 with him. Send him to the bench!

i want to marry daveskin.

Hello Fans, I am sorry that I dropped those couple of balls yesterday afternoon. Next time I drop a ball I can be hung from mine at either end zone at FedEx Field. Again, my bad. *Flashing the grin*

POSTED 2:57 p.m. EST, December 11, 2006

RABACH HAS HAND SURGERY

A league source tells us Redskins center Casey Rabach had surgery Monday to repair a broken bone in his hand. Rabach is not expected to miss any time, since the injury was sustained by his left (non-snapping) hand.

The veteran center suffered the injury in the fourth quarter. Interestingly, the departure of Rabach indirectly contributed to the sputtering of what could have been the go-ahead drive, since a penalty for having too men many in the huddle was assessed as a replacement package was shuttled onto the field for third and goal from the Eagles' three yard line. The Redskins later were forced to take a field goal, which cut the Philly lead to two points. The Eagles then chewed up the remaining four minutes and 52 seconds of the game on offense.

"We're putting ourselves in good positions," Rabach said after the game, "and we just kind of screw ourselves."

JP,

Ironically enough, Kelli Johnson from ComcastSportsNet interviewed Rogers just last week - and she asked him about the drops and what was causing them. He said he was focusing too hard and was going to just go for it from now on. That's the first thing I thought about when I saw him drop yet another perfect interception.

Um, I want to marry daveskin!!!! That was a great moment when Tuna did that. That pretty much shuts him up for about six days.
Thanks for the compliment, Nate. Everyone else is groaning over the pun.

Here is what the Redskins need to do before August 2007:

1. Get rid of half the coaching staff. If we have more than 10-12 coaches we have too many cooks in the kitchen.
2. Decide which coach is going to send in the play to JC. He only needs one person sending in the plays, not a group of em.
3. Start giving out $10K fines for every penalty. These guys are supposed to be professionals who are paid good money to display their talents.
4. Get "real" in the post game news conferences. You can't be "PROUD" about a bunch of guys who always "PLAY THEIR GUTS OUT" when they lose games that they should win.
5. Get a reasonable number of plays in the playbook. Something around 100 should be more than enough.

Now for my final observations.

Why can't the Redskins get a killer attitude on the field? When you dominate a game and get into the RED ZONE you should run over the opponent and get "7" not "3".

Finally, what is wrong with running four running attack plays straight up the middle when you face a 1st and Goal from the 3 yard line. If you can't make that play late in the game you need to simply turn in your shoes and go home.

Rockintosh would be my suggested nickname for our invisible linebacker.

Hope he gets to play someday.

I love him but coach Joe coaches like most people his age drive: in a big old car with the turn signal on going too slow in the fast lane.

i think yesterday's game was a perfect game for a team in this position. we know we could have won the game with a play here, a play there....J-camp is taking his lumps now, and he's also learning. most of all, we're losing while playing better football than the other team. I think we're getting the best of both worlds....outplay them and improve our draft status. screw the wins/losses. those are as important as the number of girls Wilt Chamberlain has been with.
i'd be happy if we "ran the table (L,L,L)" and wound up with a top 5 pick.
I think by watching this offense these past couple of weeks, that with a healthy Portis and a healthy Betts, the only thing limiting this offense is the experience, or lack of, at the QB spot.

I was at the game yesterday, and noticed that a couple of the passes he threw were almost a second or two late, which gave Dawkins/Sheppard time to get over there and bat it down(might have been visible on the broadcast, or might not have). Since Al's offense is all about throwing to a spot, we can narrow this flaw down solely to timing. Which is something an offseason as the clear-cut starter can easily be fixed. But rest assured, JC is the real deal.

One more thing: I think the last 15 losing years of this franchise cannot only be narrowed to the unnecessary spending...instead I think it's mainly because of the QB position. Imagine how good this team would have been the year we had Deion, Bruce Smith, and Mark Carrier if we had Brad Johnson at QB. Everything would have been different.
Let's give JC a chance. He won't fail us...you can see it in him.

At least Dallas looked worse than us yesterday...........

Wait, flskinsfan, you mean the Skins look like SB champs compared to the Bucs... who beat us 20-17 a few weeks ago.

You hit on the precise reason this season has been so depressing: we have shown flashes of pure goodness, ergo we could have been so much doggone better. We COULD have won the Vikings game, the Titans game, the Bucs game, yesterday vs Iggles, just to name a few. But we didn't, and we're 4-and-freakin'-9.

And if we HAD played well enough to remain in playoff contention, Brunell would almost definitely still be starting. Which probably would not have made many of us happy, even if we were winning a few games. Could you imagine not getting this time to see Soupy develop, if we had persisted in a quixotic pursuit of a fading wild card dream?

Riggo just said it seems that Coach Joe doesn't have the energy anymore. WOW

Dear Fans, don't listen to Riggo or JM220. I just had a red bull and have plenty of energy for at least 3 more games.

Skinz made a great comment earlier that CP will not be traded or cut. If you think that, you are crazy...cap hit would be tremendous. Check out this link on cap details and ramifications:

http://www.skinsfans.com/pcinoz/Salaries%20Pages%20Summary.html

You can see that cutting or trading our best player would have big time problems for us. Again, why would we trade our best player, who rushed for 1500 yds last year?

Still disagree with everyone who says we need a CB with the 1st pick. It all starts in the trenches. We get a mad pass rushing, havoc wreaking DT or DE, and the CB's will get wobbly passes, lame duck throws, and poorly thrown, ill timed passes to bat away or pick off. I bet even "stone hands double move" rogers would get a couple picks. It starts at the line.

Don't know if anyone else caught this, but I thought Carlos Rogers explanation for the Reggie Brown play was ironic:

"Gave me a double move and kind of ran towards the middle of the field; can't do nothing about it."

His probably unintended double negative explains precisely why he shouldn't be on the field; one CANNOT do nothing when playing defense. One should AT LEAST do something.

I agree with JGIMHB, about needing a stud on the line. If, when the Redskins pick in the up-coming draft, Alan Branch of Michigan is there, then go with him, if he's not available, then trade back, a couple times.

jm220,

Riggo is just speculating.....I've seen Gibbs on the Joe Gibbs Show and he is very energetic. To tell you the truth, I'm beginning to despise the media - well, the Radio/Televison media that is. On 980 they just kept badgering Portis about "how will this work with you and Betts? What is wrong with the team? How can it be fixed? Did you agree with the call for a field goal or would you have done something different?" Portis is not a coach and does not have the answers...which he stated. Please, people, leave him alone before he decides to leave.

Guys - Do you think the Denver Broncos are tanking thier games for the sole reason of swapping 1st round picks with us? If so, we are in trouble.............

Redskins' offense scored 5 times yesterday (4FG 1 TD)

Philly's offense scored twice.

And Philly won! Is it playcalling? Execution? Unfortunately, it is both.

Hey Everybody,

Joe is about to come out for his presser. Any thoughts on what he might say????

"I'm soooooooooooooooooooo PROUD"

What a joke.

editor, did you catch mathew mc-kana-hey of "we are marshal" on 730 AM around 3pm today?
apparently he's a skins fan.

also, did you guys see that reggie bush run last night? pure speed. i'd hate to be a texan fan. was that charlie casserly's pick (mario williams over reggie bush)?

Dealer - Not Charley's pick. Kubiack came form Denver where a RB comes a dime a dozen. Kubiack wanted Mario Williams was picked because they thought he was hard to come by. And he was ready to sign quickly......

Philly got 2 INTs. Result = 14pts.

Skins dropped 2 INTs.

You can make the argument that the Skins D played well yesterday. But even mediocre defenses DONT drop this many INTs. Any INT can change the course of a game, and we have dropped too many this year (Rogers and Washington have often been the culprits).

Amen, Greg(Boston) and JGIMHB. First priority in the draft has to be D-line. Enough with the CP trade talk, it can't happen because of the cap hit.

Dealer I remeber a lot of people stating that Casserly wanted Bush and the owner went with Mario because he wasn't going to be a problem to sign.

Ricky Bobby - You are on point. 'Great Effort! (5x in the 1st min) AND Physical Effort! (5x in 1st 2 min)'

But they weren't smart (2x in 3rd min)

People here have worried about our cap room, which makes sense to me, but I think (1) I want to preserve some stability in team chemistry, (2) there are some identity players who do make big plays (and I want to keep them), but (3) there are some other vets who might be "core" in that they have been around for a while, but who take up lots of cap space, so its time for some of the second stringers to step up (and get replaced with rookies, untested FAs, and maybe a draft pick or two).

Keep in mind that Betts' stud season is this season, mostly out of necessity. He got better because we needed him to with Portis suffering.

With that in mind, the following have safe jobs, either b/c they have proven that they are capable of 'big plays' on a regular basis, are identity player, we have them under contract after a recent draft, or would cause too much 'dead cap' space (this one will hurt Redskins Insider blog posters, but maybe we can work some trades next season to a desperate team after getting contracts restructured by threatening to withhold playing time):

- Offense: Portis, Betts, Campbell, Moss, Randel El, Rabach, Thomas, Dockery, Cooley, and, unfortunately, Lloyd.

- Defense: Sean Taylor, Washington, Griffin, Golsten, RockyMac, Prioleau, Andre Carter, Rogers (yes, Rogers) and, unfortunately, Archuleta.

- Special Teams: Frost (at least through the preseason), Suisham, Thrash, Sellers, and Rock.

That's cutting it to the bone. The rest might sound like heresy, but I'm serious about finding some value in the draft.

For all the chatter about D-lineman, we actually do have some depth waiting to happen in Montgomery and Evans. The players-for-picks idea puts the cross hairs on guys like Big Joe, Phillip Daniels, and Renaldo Wynn. Are all three of these guys needed for chemistry?

At LB, you have to question whether the journeys of journeymen Marshall and Holdman has run its course. K.Campbell has picked up his game. [We just got Posey, but in the scrub squad, McCune awaits.] As a Spartan alum, it hurts me to even think about trading Marshall (like why can't he be the WILL?) ... actually, its Washington who dropped the passes, but still, if one an LB comes in, who steps out, esp. in terms of higher salary than performance earns?

In the secondary, other than Taylor and Rogers (and an unrenegotiated Archuleta), nobody seems untouchable. [All I've ever heard about Prioleau suggests he is important to chemistry and, if traded, becomes some other team's leader. I think he would have replaced Archubingus in a heartbeat if he had been healthy.] Springs is a team leader, but apparently Vincent is becoming one too. Both are getting on in years and thus may not be able to play through injury like they once did ... and team leading their guts out doesn't win games. Personally, I'm not yet done with the Vernon Fox experiment (I assume he's cheap), so who stays? I don't think there is much in terms of player-for-trade value in Wright or Rumph. Doughty seems like he should be ready to step up soon, maybe at nickel (replace Prioleau who steps up at safety).

Offensively? The second level keepers to me seem like Yoder, Pucillo, and Espy. Jansen has had some flashes of great games, as has Samuels (though not in the same game), but I think we mostly need to think about finding a third, if not the second, tackle in the early rounds of the draft. That would make Molinaro expendable, but I'm serious that we need to think about our 6 and 7 year vets at starting tackle. Both have pretty high salaries. A player of that caliber and age could be worth something because of the high upside trade value (and lowering of the cap numbers).

With Brunell out of the driver's seat, presumably he renegotiates his contract again and Todd Collins becomes completely irrelevant. Doesn't seem like a lot of trade value there (but who knows ... a 6th or 7th round pick?). I'm guessing we don't want HIS dead cap space, and lots of teams need serviceable backups. Patten? I just don't see room in either the cap or the lineup for him, not unless there is a non-painful way to remove Lloyd. Wade and Whitley? Also seems like their rides on the Skins OL carousel is grinding out (not sure if they get more than vet minimum).

Seriously, if you all seriously want to build through the draft, you need to trim out not only some fat, but also a little bit of muscle. The Skins have some of the best paid players in the NFL for a reason. That means some old faves need to be moved along. How much chemistry is needed? Who are the chemists we need to keep?

thanks 4th. yeah, that always confused me. because interviewers would keep hinting/coaxing charlie casserly to say that it was a bad pick.

Ricky Bobby....I'm curious....are you always this unpleasant?

4th, no chance the Broncos are tanking to get our draft pick. I hope you were joking with that.

They are desperately trying to earn a playoff spot after turning to the young QB midseason. They just made the QB change really late in the year, unlike Parcells who -- against all common sense, and to his great credit -- pulled the plug on Bledsoe long ago. And unlike the Bears, who are in the unenviable position of having stuck with Grossman way too long.

Unlike our Skins, I think the Broncos' aspirations are greater than a high draft pick. Sad but true. Getting our high pick would be cold comfort to a team which coulda/shoulda been contending for a conference championship and has seen the Chargers and now the Chiefs surpass them.

DCSween, don't quit your day job. NO-ONE is trading for Daniels, Wynne, or Joe S. That wont happen. They're all OLD, and aren't producing, who would want that?

I just want to hear one press conf. that Coach Joe comes out and say. Coaches and players are playing for their jobs because the losing stops now. Lay down the damn hammer! Steel sharpens steel and men sharpen men. Stop treating them like children. Damn.

What in the name of God is he talking about???????

I'm so sick of hearing him talk. They honestly should let someone else answer the questions or put a cardboard cut out of him at the podium and play a tape recording of the same old BS comments.

jm, ricky, i thought i was the only one who thought that. MYGOD! and at the sametime i can't seem to turn it off!

Nate - I am seriously not joking. Who in the NFL would hand the QB job over purposefully?? It dosen't add up. Gibbs would have neva eva done that. Romo is, again, in his 4th year in the same system. He dosen't qualify as a good example.

I think this served 2 purposes. 1 - Give the Broncos no reason to resign Plummer.
2 - If he didn't think he was going to the playoffs with Plummer, he might as well switch QBs and possibly lose enough games to switch draft picks. I think it is in the mix of his decisions, really.....

Lisa,

No. But I am a die hard fan who probably takes this stuff a little too seriously at times... I think a lot of us do.

I guess I tend to be negative quite a bit because a) we are 4-9, b) this team's future is awful, c) it's a great place to vent and d) making jokes and laughing about the situation makes me feel better.

But how about something positive from me? WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!!!!!!!

anybody have any viewing/online suggestions for me? got some time to kill befor MNF.

4th you're my boy but damn that is a reach. To tell you the truth if they switch number one we keep our third pick. Let's just hope to it's not the 5th and they have the 16th.

Dealer, I missed McConaughey. Dale Jr. is a huge fan, too. I'm looking forward to "We Are Marshall." Trailers look very solid.
I'm very much with JM on that hammer thing. Everybody should be on probation -- no double-secret probation, either!

I meant to say no one would hand over the QB job to a rookie in the heat of a playoff chase so late in the season.....

It still makes me laugh that you all seem to expect Gibbs to say anything different at his pressers. It's not happening....he may say different things behind closed doors but not to the media.

Remember when we used to see the stats linking the running game with the Skins win-loss?

In the Stephen Davis years, ole Nervous Turner always found a way to get away from the run when he shouldn't have, just like we did when this season still had life to it.

The stats showed that when the Skins had 100+ rushing yards, the Skins had some amazing win-loss %, like 80% plus.

Well, Betts is getting it done. So, what gives?

I guess the JC interception thing picked a bad time to show itself. Just as other elements started to gel -- like the defense (welcome back, Shawn) -- teams found ways to get Jason playing down to his experience level.

The good news is next year Jason will be better prepared and these types of games where we run up and down the field(Atlanta, Philly, Tampa) will be victories.

In the mean time, we keep climbing the draft order. It would help to have some picks and a GM to use them, but you can't always get what you want.

Looking at the link to the salary cap page on the Skins, I say we hustle to re-sign Dockery and Ethan Allbright. And assume that Holdman and Jimoh are gone (there contracts end with this season). There are some other guy's whose contracts expire, but they seemed to be real small contracts anyway. Of the other ones whose contracts expire, Pucillo is the only one who seems to have earned a roster spot.

Whoever made that comment that the Broncos are intentionally tanking...forget it. Shannahan is always playing for a playoff run and a super bowl run. After getting thrown all over by Peyton in the last couple playoffs, it's why they drafted CB's over and over the last 3 years. Check their draft record. Something like 3 first round CB's in the last 4 drafts.

The reason you switch? Because Plummer had a 70.5 QB rating through 10 or 11 or 12 games. Because of 32 starting QB's, he had the 28th best rating. Might get you to the playoffs, but when you're the Broncos and you make the playoffs regualarly, won't get you to the SB. Trsut me, they're not tanking.

JLaC - No Old Stinking Soccer Jersy today?

Who needs Haiku Man?
With *SallieMae* and Jane Doe,
We have all we need.

If Pucillo and Todd Collins had stayed with their teams from last year, both would have been starters this year. Collins backed up the seemingly uninjurable Trent Green for FIVE YEARS ... and leaves the season that Green goes down.

AWWWW, *blush*, Ocho-Ocho that was very kind. So, "Ocho-Ocho", what does that stand for?

I missed the presser... what did Coach Joe have to say about J-La's injury? Day to day?

So how can a rookie QB take you to the SB?? They are not even going to make the playoffs. And that reason is solely because of the QB switch. They were in the playoffs when they made the switch. If Gibbs is your homeboy, ask him what he thinks and let us know.

It's a mistake if the Chefs don't re-sign Trent Green and we go after him to be our starter. He's 37 yrs old, coming off a big concussion, and will put Campbell back on the bench.

If we sign him to a modest contract to be the backup, I'd be okay with that, but don't think we should stunt Campbell's career for, in all likelihood, the remaining 2 years of Gibbs' tenure. He loves vet QB's, and if Green were here, I'm assuming he gets the nod for his last 2 years. Campbell would be 26 at the end of it, still young, but now you still don't know what you have with him. I'm of the opinion not to sign Green to a big "Brunell type" contract...he's 37 and concussions don't happen just once (see Troy Aikman, and Wayne Chrebet).

I think Coach Joe said that JLaC will be okay after having some screws surgically implanted.

Nicknames for Rocky McIntosh:
Apple II-e

So Skins are eliminated yesterday and now today Freddy Adu is traded to Salt Lake City. We're posting the story now. Bad things run in threes; now what???

Other possible nickname for Rocky (but only once he proves to be a bust)
McIntosh OS 5-9

With all due respect 4th, I think reports and articles I read said that Cutler was "wowing" in practice. If Big Ben can lead a team as young as he is, and Philip Rivers, albeit after riding pine, and Carson, again, after riding pine, Shannahan seemed to think Cutler had the "it" factor.

Let me re-iterate. Plummer: 70.5 rating. Worse than Brunell. Worse than JP Losman. Worse than Alex Smith. I could go on and on. When you're the 28th best starting QB, pretty hard to think that Cutler, if reports of him "wowing" in practice are true, hard to think he could do worse than 28th best. Cutler's rating now? 83. You tell me. I still think they are going for more than a high pick. They're just in the bad happenstance of playing in the cutthroat AFC.

What was Trent Dilfer's rating in the magical 2000 season? Remember Shaun King with the Bucs and they went to the NFC championship? They were pretty awful as well.

Again - He's a rookie. Big Ben was forced in and had a great season with the offensive weapons being what they were (he averaged like 11-15 pass atempts/game). AND, he do-doed in his pants when it came playoff time. Everybody else took over in thier 2nd/3rd year. I am not a big conspiracy dude, but for some reason, I think Shanahan is up to something. I don't like that guy.......

Trent Dilfer, 2000: 76.6

What is a Great/Good/Average/Below Average/Poor Passer Rating?

Good counterpoint. Those are 2 great examples. Dilfers was like 76.6 and King's was like 75.8. But, Dilfer had one of the best defenses of the modern era, and King I think was the only and best option at the time. Can't quite remember that bucs team.

Coaches play to win and win now. I think that Shannahan thinks Cutler gives him the best chance. Not convinced about the conspiracy theory.

Dilfer had Jamal Lewis rushing for over 1,300 yards, too.

I heard this once, but not 100% sure, that 85.0 is the mark of a very solid QB. Above that number is very acceptable, and below 85.0 is getting to above average. Not sure, anyone else know? Brunell's career rating is 84.2 to put it into perspective.

Freddy Adu being traded???? What's next...Gilbert Arenas going to Miami?

JLC anything new at the park today?

Do we even have any first round picks this year, or next year for that matter? Exactly how many picks do we have left to work with, assuming Gibbs and Co. are even interested in drafting anybody again? That's the trouble with trading away your draft picks: if your season ends shamefully you don't have that concession prize waiting for you in the upcoming draft.

Anybody have any thoughts on the play-call when Campbell threw his INT returned for a TD. I mean, it was a great play by the D, and a lucky bounce for them, and maybe JC threw it too hard or Cooley could have made a better stab at it, but... I didn't understand the call. It was like 3rd and 8, how could a 3-yard pass over the middle possibly achieve anything? (With Cooley running into a pack of 3 or 4 players.) Was that the designed play? Did the Eagles blitz and JC was just trying to dump it off? Seemed like the play had nothing to gain (er, making a short FG attempt even shorter?) and everything to lose.

Gibbs - We have all our draft picks next year, we just got to get to that year.....

Shanahan would not throw games. He's been under the shadow of not winning (or going to) a Super Bowl without Elway for too long. Plummer was terrible and he saw they weren't going anywhere with him starting. If anything he probably waited too long to put Cutler in and now the kid's under enormous pressure for a rookie.

4th, again, I just think you're thinking too hard on this one. Shanahan has been to the mountaintop and (we can assume) wants to get back there without Elway. He's a doggone good coach, maybe not great but he's proven it with quality and longevity. I know he would be happy to swap picks with us if it works out, but not at the cost of missing the playoffs (if you put the choice in those terms).

I do think the QB switch was what Shanahan truly felt the team needed, a kick in the pants to get them re-energized. It just hasn't worked out that way. But to say he made the switch with that potential draft pick exchange at the top of his m